A collection of pieces on the cult of the 78. It follows the traditional formula of following some of the well-known obsessives in the category. ThisA collection of pieces on the cult of the 78. It follows the traditional formula of following some of the well-known obsessives in the category. This stands out for the awareness of gender and race that plays a part in the preservation (and adoration) of the country and pre-War blues. I was just thankful to read a music writer who questioned the supremacy of Robert Johnson and Charlie Patton....more

Interesting subject matter, but I just could not get into the book. The writing was too flat and factual for me. The introduction of the characters waInteresting subject matter, but I just could not get into the book. The writing was too flat and factual for me. The introduction of the characters was always the same....more

A very disjointed book about Black LA in the early 20th century. The book looks at how the influx of southern blacks to Los Angeles help change the cuA very disjointed book about Black LA in the early 20th century. The book looks at how the influx of southern blacks to Los Angeles help change the culture in the years leading up to World War II. The focus is all over the map: from labor strikes and civil rights struggles to jam sessions, blackface comedians, and gay bars. There isn't a clear focus other than to present vignettes of life along Central Avenue in LA. The book really could have used another round of editing as some of the sentences seemed rough and the general flow of the book was inconsistent. I wanted more from the book as most of the topics reflect modern times....more